During Wednesday’s all departmental meeting, Mr Bossman provided the quarterly update for drug safety. So far this year, my department has processed 8,635 cases and, with an average of 900 cases/month, will have processed 11,335 cases in 2009. He cited this as a 35% increased workload this year. He went on to acknowledge the complaints of staff being stretched to the limit, thanked us, and assured us that requisitions for increased heatcount had been submitted.
The following day however, Ms. Bosslady informed us headcount was being scrutinized. Furthermore, she noted that since we had been able to keep up with the workload, we would just have to make do. [roll eyes and scan room for reaction] Not one person in the room complained.
I am told that staff has learned to shut up. Previous complaints to senior management and/or human resources have only led to reprimand and humility. It’s sad because I imagine that if all 75 of us banned together in protest, HR would finally realize that there is something seriously wrong with leadership. Of course this is easier to say when one is on her way out.
Those of us who have been interviewing have grown tired of the waiting game. These days, it seems to take eons to get through the approval process at the few business who are hiring. But I also know, from the prior go round, that companies these days want to know if you’ve lost interest but they do not feel obliged to do the same. So even though I’ve been pretty confident that the two companies I’ve targeted do want me, I’d considered sending out my resume to another company if I didn’t hear anything this week.
Fortunately for me, I did hear something. Both companies called me to convey their intent to make me an offer in the coming week. I’m hoping that at least one of these offers is one that I cannot refuse.